Foreign Ministry: Armenia continues to interfere in Azerbaijan's internal affairs Briefing for foreign diplomats

Despite Azerbaijan's clear position on the peace agenda, Armenia puts forward demands that do not fit into any norms of international law, contradict common sense, and have no basis, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov said.

He made the remarks at a briefing held in Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry for the diplomatic corps accredited in the country on July 27, Caliber.Az reports.  

The briefing participants were informed about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, and the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azimov stressed that after the war Azerbaijan came forward with a peace initiative and expressed readiness to normalise relations with Armenia on a bilateral basis in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.

It was noted that from the first day Azerbaijan's position was clear to everyone, and the subject of negotiations is three directions - signing a peace treaty, delimitation of borders and opening regional communications

He also added that such attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan are unacceptable.

It was also noted that the most vivid manifestation of Azerbaijan's peacekeeping intentions is large-scale restoration and construction works in the territories liberated from occupation, the construction of airports near the borders of both countries.

“Armenia in response to these steps commits military provocations in the territories of Azerbaijan where people of Armenian origin live, creates obstacles to flights by radio interference, which clearly shows the true intentions of that country,” he noted.

"Despite the fact that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has officially issued a statement recognising the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the actions undertaken by Armenia are directed against our territorial integrity and sovereignty, accompanied by attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan. The steps taken by Armenia are aimed at slowing down the process of normalisation and establishment of peace," Azimov said.

Speaking about the situation with the Lachin road, the deputy minister emphasised that this road is an integral part of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, and in this regard, Azerbaijan has established a border checkpoint for its citizens on its territory.

"This right is also enshrined in the final judgment of the International Court of Justice. The Armenian side, which could not accept this, opened fire on the Azerbaijani border guard, committed provocation against our state flag, continued to abuse the Lachin road and obstructs its use," the deputy minister said.

He brought to attention that Azerbaijan created all conditions for the use of the road for medical purposes by the residents of Armenian origin, and offered to use the Aghdam-Khankandi road for supplying more cargo, which can contribute to their reintegration into Azerbaijani society.

It was noted that Armenia, on the one hand, hinders the use of these opportunities by the local Armenian population, and on the other hand, demonstratively interferes in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan under the pretext of "humanitarian aid", makes a show, misleading the international community.

It was emphasised that if the Armenian side really supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, it should not object to the use of the Aghdam-Khankandi road and should not hinder the reintegration process.

The deputy minister stated the importance of the responsibility of the international community: "Before giving in to the manipulations of the Armenian side and making statements, one should think about what these statements will serve, as well as the importance of avoiding steps that contradict the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan".

In conclusion, gratitude was expressed to the countries that provided support in organizing the peace talks, and it was stressed that Armenia should be urged to engage in constructive dialogue.